Some of our folks have mentioned that people are asking about United Methodist Doctrine. They might ask where we stand on a variety of issues. This is wonderful, and I am always happy and eager to talk about these questions of our faith and tribe. If you have these questions, or are talking with someone else who does and are unsure how to respond, don’t hesitate to call me.

One of the interesting things is that we are not a very doctrinal denomination. We have no Augsburg Confession as the Lutherans do, or Westminster Catechism like the Presbyterians, or Papal Encyclicals as the Catholics. There is no one set of systematic beliefs we are required to adhere to. In a sense, we are the First Amendment of the Protestant denominations: our members are free to harbor a wide variety of beliefs.

Our “doctrine” is brief and simple. We believe in Jesus as the Son of God; in the salvation he brings through his life, death and resurrection; in the new life he bestows through the Holy Spirit. These are basic to just about all Christian congregations. In the details, we aren’t as specific.

We do have guiding documents, such as Wesley’s sermons, the Articles of Faith, the Social Principals and such, but we do not require absolute adherence to every word of them for people to be members of our congregations or worshiping communities. You can read these documents by going to the United Methodist website: www.umc.org. In the top bar there is a link to “What We Believe.”

Wesleyan doctrine and theology have always been very practical. Our faith and practice of it is both personal and social, and not historically divisive. We seem to be able to get along with fellow Methodists who are liberal and conservative, marchers and thinkers, dreamers and doers. We have never thought that unity meant uniformity. Wesley would say, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things,charity.” Again, if you have questions, come talk with me, and we’ll explore together.

– Pastor Bruce Weiman

Sunday Worship at AUMC

8:00-8:45 a.m. Early Service

The Early Service at AUMC is a traditional format for worship. We sing traditional hymns, accompanied by a wonderful pipe organ. Although the service itself is a bit more formal, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

10:00-11:00 a.m. Worship

This service has the best of traditional worship along with a twist of contemporary! Our praise team and praise band along with talented musicians elevate the worship experience through music, which includes not only contemporary songs, but hymns and a traditional choir. Nursery is available at this service, as well as children’s church, where the children have their own twist on worship.

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9:00-9:45 Sunday School Classes Available

–Age 3-Kindergarteners-Balcony Level

In this class we learn about God and His infinite love for us. We learn basic Bible Stories in a fun, yet relaxed environment with plenty of room for giggles and games!

–Grades 1st-3rd-Third Floor

Taught by: Carol Petersheim & Monica GreenIn this class we follow the study “Grow! Proclaim! Serve!” which walks us through Biblical Truths through plays and games.

–Grades 4th-6th-Third Floor

Taught by: Tim & Monica Miller & Ruth MillerAgain we use the “Grow! Proclaim! Serve!” series by Cokesbury to delve deeper into the Bible and apply it to our lives. This class loves to play games!

–Junior High-Third Floor

Taught by: Scott SeegmillerIn the junior high class, we spend time studying the Bible as it applies to situations we face in our lives each day. We discover ways that God can work through us as Christians and move toward Confirmation in the Church.

–Senior High-Third Floor

Taught by: Steffanie SeegmillerSenior High youth focus on deepening our faith in our Savior and discussing some of the more in depth topics in Christianity.

–Adult Sunday School-Second Floor Lounge

Taught by: Pastor Weiman

We are currently tackling the book of Genesis. Every Biblical concept and theme has its beginning in the book of Genesis, and there we hear and see the salvation of God beginning to work in the lives of His people. Often this book is the one people begin to read, and quickly get bogged down. We will open the meaning and wonder of this love letter from God, and explore the “who” and “why” of creation, the marvelous covenant (sacred agreement) God made with our ancestor Abraham, how God worked in the lives of Abraham’s descendants, and the most wonderful story of Joseph (which is about a lot more interesting things than just a technicolor dream coat!)